Find a Provider
From well-child visits to specialized treatment of complex illnesses and injuries, we offer comprehensive care from an exceptional team of doctors, nurses and allied professionals.
- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Myalgia
May also be called: Muscle Pain; Muscle Aches; Myoneuralgia
Myalgia (my-AL-ja) is pain or tenderness in a muscle or group of muscles.
More to Know
Many things can cause pain in specific muscles, including stress, using the muscle too much, or a minor injury. This type of myalgia often happens after athletic activity or doing a job that requires physical exertion. Sometimes, muscle pain can be a symptom of a condition that affects the whole body, such as fibromyalgia (which causes widespread muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue), the flu, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Certain medications and drugs also can cause it.
When myalgia is a result of stress, overuse, or injury, treatment usually involves resting the affected muscles, doing only low-impact aerobic exercise, and using anti-inflammatory medications, compresses, and massage. Muscle pain caused by a disease is managed by treating the underlying condition. If myalgia is caused by a medication, treatment usually involves stopping use of the medication or decreasing the dosage.
Keep in Mind
Most simple cases of myalgia can be treated at home and will clear up on their own within a few days. These cases can often be prevented by staying well hydrated and stretching before and after physical activities.
Muscle pain that lasts longer than a few days, is severe, or is associated with other symptoms may require medical attention but generally responds well to treatment.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.